With the end of the first phase, all the qualifying teams were gathered in their respective rooms after being escorted by the guards. In those rooms, a magical screen would reveal what the second phase of the Throne of Runes would be like, so the participants waited with some excitement.
"What do you think the second phase will be like?"
"I don't know. The only thing I'm sure of is that only four teams will remain."
"Then this time, one of Astrong's teams will definitely be eliminated."
Until that moment, all of Astrong's teams had managed to advance, once again proving that the academy was undoubtedly the best on the continent. Hao was probably quite satisfied with his students' performance as well.
'So far, the five Astrong teams remain, along with one team from that unknown academy led by Jester, one team from Shengtian, and two from other continents. Honestly, that surprised me.'
Enrico had thought that Giulia and Nicholas would manage to advance, but both ended up being eliminated because they had been placed in the same block as some very strong teams. Among them were the best teams from Shengtian and Valtara, as well as Elaris's team from Astrong and Victoria's team, led by the academy's number one-ranked student. Valtara was considered the most powerful continent among the other two.
Furthermore, Victoria had also eliminated the best academies from Floravita and Tsuyokuni. To make matters worse, that rank had defeated all the teams by herself. Among them was even the strongest team from Arkhavana. In Enrico's opinion, that academy had a very good chance of advancing to the next phase.
'They had the worst luck in the world. Honestly, I'm starting to think that ending up in the castle region was a matter of luck.'
The only team that had been lucky in Victoria's block was Zandorah's strongest team, which had faced Vesparello's best team in a fierce battle before reaching their confrontation against Victoria.
Although the beginning of the battles in their block had been more interesting for the spectators, most of the more intense confrontations had ended up taking place in the groups Enrico had mentioned. After all, that block had been considered a true group of death.
'I want to watch the battles that took place there later.'
"Hello, students! It's good to see that those who participated possess so much potential. I'm quite satisfied with the level you've demonstrated."
Interrupted in his thoughts, Enrico turned his attention back to the screen, where Hao appeared with a satisfied smile on his face. The director's expression caused the people in charge of the other academies to look at him with some irritation.
"Since my academy achieved the best results, I will be the one explaining how the second phase will work."
Some members of the ten qualifying teams were talking quietly among themselves, exchanging comments and discreet glances.
"What do you think it will be?"
"I don't know, but it should be interesting."
Hao observed the students before continuing.
"This year's second phase will take place inside a dungeon."
Enrico already knew what the second phase would be like, so he wasn't surprised to hear Hao's words. From what he remembered, the chosen dungeon belonged to the Shadow Nartheis.
Hao looked in Enrico's direction and noticed that the boy showed no surprise whatsoever, unlike the others, who seemed not only surprised but also quite excited by the revelation. He gave a small smile and continued speaking.
"This dungeon was discovered four months ago. After conducting some research, we discovered that it would be perfect for the second phase of the Throne of Runes, mainly because of the extra life granted to those who enter it. Therefore, we decided not to seal it, allowing us to continue our research while also using it in this competition."
The second phase had no specific combat rules, after all, the students would be entering a dungeon. The only thing they would need to worry about was accumulating points by defeating the Nartheis they encountered along the way.
"By defeating ordinary Nartheis in the dungeon, you will receive five points. Those who manage to defeat Nartheis considered mini-bosses will receive ten points. In addition, there are four bosses in this dungeon, and each one will grant fifty points."
There was no limit to the number of points participants could accumulate in that dungeon. However, that didn't mean it would be easy to achieve a high score, especially considering the number of people who would be exploring the same place.
"The points earned by each team's members will be added together at the end to determine which four teams will advance to the final phase. Everyone's scores will be displayed on a magical screen, both inside and outside the dungeon, and can be checked at any time. It will be up to you to decide what to do with this information."
After explaining everything about the second phase, Hao ended his participation in the broadcast, informing the students that they should use the rest of the day to rest or make their preparations. There were no more mandatory activities at that moment.
Enrico, on the other hand, was thinking about using the time to train.
"What do you four intend to do? Do you want to discuss a plan or simply rest?"
Caelan touched his own shoulder, which was still a little injured.
"Can't we discuss the plans tomorrow? I fought quite a lot today."
"All right."
Caelan was about to celebrate when Elian, still irritated by the teasing he had been receiving from his companion over the past few weeks, decided to take the opportunity to get revenge.
"That's right, go get some rest, Caelan. After all, you were the one who had the most trouble."
Caelan made a sad expression, as though a little cloud of disappointment had appeared above his head. He slowly walked toward one of the beds while Elian let out a laugh. However, as soon as he lay down, he fell asleep almost immediately, surprising his four companions. Apparently, he really was exhausted.
Elian let out a small snort, somewhat annoyed that his teasing had lasted so little. When he noticed that Enrico was standing a little too close, he became slightly nervous, remembering the words he had said during the battle.
"I'm going to eat. I was so nervous that I barely ate anything today, so I'm going to make up for it."
As soon as he heard those words, Enrico turned his head toward Elian, wearing a smile resembling that of a cat about to play with its favorite toy.
"Nervous? Oh, Elian, are you already imagining yourself as my future wife? I'm so happy to hear that!"
Elian's face turned red when he realized his mistake. He raised his hands in front of his face, trying to defend himself against the teasing.
"I just made a mistake, you idiot! Forget it. I'm going to the cafeteria. If you need anything, just call me."
Watching Elian leave like that, Enrico gave an even more amused smile. After all, that was one of the things he enjoyed doing most in this world. However, when he turned his face, he noticed that the two remaining girls were watching him jealously.
He tilted his head with an innocent expression.
"I'm sorry. How about we do this? Today, I'll accompany you wherever you want to go."
Yumeha immediately became excited.
"Really, Master? I want to visit the lake known as the Beauty of the Continent. They say it's a very beautiful place."
Serenya turned toward her with her characteristic noble gaze, although it was impossible to hide the excitement on her face.
"Beautiful for what? I'd rather go to the nobles' ball today. After all, my right-hand man and I are nobles, so it would be perfect."
Yumeha wasn't willing to give up on the place she wanted to visit.
"But, as far as I know, future lovers who visit Lake dell'Eterno Amore stay together forever."
Serenya was about to argue with that comment, but immediately changed her mind when she heard the last sentence.
"Right-hand man, I've changed my mind! Let's go to Lake dell'Eterno Amore. That's the most important thing we need to do today!"
Enrico had already understood the intentions of the two. However, before leaving with them, he needed to inform the other girls. If they discovered that he had visited that place without inviting them, they would probably become furious. Therefore, he left the room accompanied by Serenya and Yumeha, explaining that he needed to talk to the others before they departed.
Serenya made a small pout, showing her irritation.
"I wanted to go there alone with you."
"What do you mean you wanted to go alone when that idea was mine?"
Serenya ignored Yumeha's words and, as though she were someone quite mature, declared:
"But since we're all going to be your wives, we need to go together so we can be happy forever."
Enrico let out a small laugh before commenting:
"That sounds like a line from a fairy tale. Serenya, would you like to hear some of my stories?"
Realizing that Enrico seemed to have remembered one of her literary preferences, Serenya immediately nodded. After all, she had quite enjoyed the story of the arrogant princess he had introduced her to in the library. Meanwhile, Yumeha also moved closer, interested in hearing those stories. If they were told by her Master, they would surely be incredible.
"These stories come from a distant world, so pay close attention."
"Of course, right-hand man! I'll pay attention to every word."
"That's right, Master! If they're stories told by you, I won't miss a thing."
"All right, then I'll begin... Let's start with this one: Once upon a time, there was a girl whose skin was as pale as snow..."
The two girls paid close attention to Enrico's words. They would certainly enjoy those stories. And, at some point in the future, the other girls would also end up wanting to hear them directly from him, each finding some stories they liked more, whether they were the same as or different from the others' favorites.